The immortal allure of vampire comedy movies is hard to resist. As a connoisseur of all things fanged and funny, I’ve sunk my metaphorical teeth into countless films where vampires forsake their brooding, bloody image for a splash of humor. These cinematic gems, which combine humorous elements with morbid ones, stand as a testament to the undying (pun intended) versatility of vampire lore. So, why are they an absolute blast to watch? It’s the delicious concoction of the familiar and the absurd.
Think about it—a centuries-old vampire struggling to set up a dating profile or accidentally getting a tan from the glow of their smartphone. It’s an unlikely pairing of the supernatural with everyday banalities that generate laughter. For those skeptics who might dismiss the credibility of my bloodthirsty expertise, rest assured, I’ve meticulously researched and analyzed these films with the same dedication a vampire has for a midnight snack. Trust me, a venture into the world of vampire comedies is the perfect escapade—just remember to leave your garlic popcorn at the door.
Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Mel Brooks, the comedic genius behind Spaceballs and Young Frankenstein, decided to tackle the vampire legend? Well, look no further. This film is essentially Bram Stoker’s Dracula seen through a funhouse mirror, with all the gothic drama hilariously turned on its head.
Leslie Nielsen plays Count Dracula in Dracula: Dead and Loving It, and he’s the polar opposite of the gloomy, dark, and seductive figure we’ve come to expect. Instead, he’s fumbling and completely absurd, and Nielsen’s deadpan delivery only adds to the comedy. And you know you’re in for a riot when Renfield, his sidekick played by the brilliant Peter MacNicol, grows crazier by the minute (obsessively munching on bugs).
Once Bitten (1985)
Once Bitten takes us down the campy side of the vampire lane. You’ve got a young Jim Carrey, long before Ace Ventura and The Truman Show, playing Mark, an unsuspecting high schooler who’s, shall we say, eager to go all the way with his girlfriend. But here’s the kicker: a centuries-old vampiress, played with delightful extravagance by Lauren Hutton, needs the blood of a virgin to maintain her youth and beauty. And guess who fits the bill?
The movie is a feast of ’80s humor, blending teen problems with vampiric shenanigans. As Mark starts exhibiting some rather … nocturnal tendencies (and an odd aversion to Italian food with garlic), the race is on for his girlfriend to save him before he gets that final, fateful bite.
Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
Vampire’s Kiss stars Nicolas Cage as Peter Loew, a publishing executive who believes he’s becoming a vampire. Whether he’s genuinely experiencing a supernatural transformation or it’s all a mental breakdown is up for debate, but let’s be honest, that ambiguity is part of the film’s draw. And the scenes? From Cage’s exaggerated accent to him wandering the streets of New York with a wooden stake, begging strangers to end his suffering—it’s an eclectic mix of dark comedy and tragedy.
Some folks see Vampire’s Kiss as a critique of toxic masculinity and the dehumanizing nature of urban life. Others? They see it as a wild, unhinged performance from Cage. It’s the kind of film that might leave you questioning what the hell you just watched, yet you can’t help but discuss it with friends, often with the phrase, “You have to see this to believe it.”
Bloodsucking Bastards (2015)
Bloodsucking Bastards. Now, there’s a title that doesn’t beat around the bush. Think of the average office’s dreariness: the fluorescent lighting, the daily routine, the broken coffee machine. Now, throw in a couple of undeads for good measure. That’s right, what if your miserable office job was made worse because your coworkers were turning into vampires? This horror-comedy rides on that wild premise.
Evan, our protagonist, is trapped in a job he despises. And to make matters worse, his rival gets the promotion he was gunning for. But promotions and office politics soon become the least of his concerns when he realizes these corporate changes come with a more … sanguine twist. The film is like Office Space meets From Dusk Till Dawn. The mundane misery of 9-to-5 is amplified by the literal blood-sucking happening after hours.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Before Sarah Michelle Gellar became THE Buffy for many in the iconic TV series, there was this quirky little movie starring Kristy Swanson as Buffy, the seemingly superficial cheerleader who discovers she’s destined for something … bloodier. Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s premise is a delightful flip on the age-old trope: instead of the blonde girl getting killed off in horror movies, she’s the one doing the slaying.
She’s not just brandishing pom-poms; she’s also got stakes up her sleeves. Buffy’s guided by her Watcher, Merrick (played by none other than Donald Sutherland), who’s there to remind her of her sacred duty to battle the bloodsuckers. Now, while the film has its campy moments (and, let’s be real, some gloriously 90s fashion), it’s a fun ride.
Day Shift (2022)
Day Shift is a 2022 action comedy-horror film about a blue-collar dad who moonlights as a vampire hunter. Jamie Foxx stars as the dad, a pool cleaner by day and vampire slayer by night, who hunts down the undead to sell their teeth for cash. He’s got a lot on his plate: he’s trying to make ends meet, has a little daughter to care for, and has the secret life of a vampire hunter to keep from his loved ones.
Directed by J. J. Perry, who also helmed The Raid, Day Shift features a lot of the same energy and humor, with plenty of blood and guts to satisfy fans of the genre. But it also has a heart, thanks to Foxx’s performance and the film’s surprisingly touching father-daughter story.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Only Lovers Left Alive isn’t your run-of-the-mill vampire flick. This film, directed by Jim Jarmusch, is like the moody, introspective cousin in the vampire genre’s family. There are no capes, no fangs-bared chases—just two deeply in love, centuries-old vampires navigating the modern world. Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston play Eve and Adam (it just had to be those names), and they’re the embodiment of timeless romance.
They’re artists, lovers, thinkers—kind of like hipster vampires, but without trying too hard. And the soundtrack? It’s a hypnotic blend that transports you to their world of night drives and dimly lit rooms. There’s an elegance to Only Lovers Left Alive, a languid grace that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Fright Night (1985)
Fright Night follows a suburban teenager, Charley Brewster, who’s convinced his new next-door neighbor, Jerry Dandrige, is a vampire—as if high school wasn’t challenging enough. However, it’s not just the blood-sucking suspicion that’s entertaining; it’s Charley’s endearing desperation as he recruits a washed-up horror film actor, Peter Vincent, to aid in his vampiric investigation.
The interplay between youthful certainty and mature skepticism provides a delightful backbone to the narrative. Fright Night doesn’t just rely on jump scares but interweaves wit and character depth, ensuring its place as a cherished classic in the vampire genre.
The Lost Boys (1987)
Picture this: California, the mid-80s, the sun, surf, and … vampires on motorbikes? That’s The Lost Boys, a film that flawlessly blends teenage angst with the frightening attraction of the supernatural in the coastal town of Santa Carla—which, by the way, claims to be the murder capital of the world. A bold title if you ask me. The film revolves around the Emerson family, specifically the two brothers, Michael and Sam.
They become involved with a local vampire gang after moving to the area. But it’s not all dark and broody; there’s a lot of humor, thanks to the wacky Frog brothers, who are self-proclaimed vampire hunters from a comic book store. Classic 80s, right?
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
What We Do in the Shadows is a brilliant, eccentric work of art. Can you imagine a mockumentary about a group of vampires sharing a flat in Wellington, New Zealand? If you’re scratching your head, wondering how the mundanities of flatmate issues can mesh with the dark and dramatic world of vampirism, then this film is a revelation.
Created by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, the same minds behind Flight of the Conchords, the film delves deep into the hilariously mundane challenges these undead flatmates face—from doing the dishes to struggling with getting dressed without a reflection. There’s something incredibly humorous about centuries-old vampires bickering over household chores or trying to fit into modern clubbing scenes.
(featured image: Scream Factory)
Published: Sep 13, 2023 05:03 am